Her heartbeat was wild like a rabbit’s quick steps, the sound deafening in her ears becoming louder and louder still. Tremors wracked her body violently in sporadic bursts, not even giving her the chance to anticipate the panic that spread from her body into her soul. Her cheeks hardened with the salt from her tears, sadness no longer at the front of her mind.

‘What will I do?’ she thought. ‘It can’t be a secret forever.’

As she slept, only nightmares plagued her, showing the worst of every situation as she tried to break free from her secret. It felt like a poison, ready to push away anyone she was close to, spreading the hate into their hearts and making them strangers.

She told herself then that she could keep it locked up inside. No one would have to know what ugliness she hid within herself. The self-proclaimed curse she undeniably hated would consume everything and leave her with nothing. She would be content in living the lie she had so gracefully perfected. The mask; her face, was fine porcelain; flawless and shallow. No depth in expression or feeling. She told herself then that she could keep it locked up inside, but she was wrong.

Her mask had begun to crack, and people had begun to see the secret that was burning inside of her. She was sickened and distraught, not able to handle what others would think of her. The worst of her fears had begun. But she was wrong.

All this time, she was wrong. The fires of truth that had fueled her secret for all her life were now beginning to lash out and consume her wholly; burning her mask into ash. Like a phoenix she rose, brilliant and new, proud to spread her wings and showing her true self.

Hope was given back, the light from the darkened tunnel she had walked for so long. The phoenix was reunited with the sun, and with it’s burning flame, she was able to soar above all.

Today’s post was in response to Day 3 of the Writing 101 course. Today’s prompt was: One-word inspiration. We had to choose a word from a list given to us:

HOPE

REGRET

HOME

CHOICE

ABUNDANCE

SECRET

Naturally, I bent the rules a little bit and chose two words instead of just one. The first was ‘SECRET’ and the second being ‘HOPE’. I hoped you enjoyed reading it, and just as the prompt said, this is open to interpretation. Thanks.

I know, right? Writers’ circles are definitely not my thing, since I’m not much of a reader. Never been. But I’ve been trying to change that for some time. I’ve never thought of ever writing things. But yeah, definitely a wonderful space to meet people like you, who also love to write.

And thank you for following my blog! I tend from time to time throw out slurs and bad language. I hope it doesn’t turn you off. I try not to do it overall, but when something gets me mad….the stuff just comes out 😛